ShawnJ West - Podcast Details

Shows

Creatively ShadedThe Bay for a Horse!Send us a textOn this episode, SirDiva reascends to his seat after directing/performing in "Sweat," to help roll out the red carpet for our illustrious guest, Legendary Diva, Margo Hall! The Beloved multi-faceted performer, bestows the kingdom of the Bay with invaluable insight into our unique community, and the theatre industry at large. Bay-be, the theatre streets were over flowing and Center Stage Shade sopped it all up! Come on and getchu a taste!Recommendations: "Les Blancs (The Whites)" at Oakland Theater ProjectOn stage July 13 - 27, 2025 tickets at oaklandtheatreproject.org 2025-07-191h 16

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 325: Nick IshimaruOur second half of our double Yay features artistic director and co-founder of Kunoichi Productions, Nick Ishimaru. We talk about Nick’s upbringing, his studies at Colorado State University, his first stint in the bay area working with Theatre Yugen, and where he sees himself in the future. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.fa...2025-06-291h 12

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 324: Nikki MenezWe have a double Yay this weekend! Our first guest is Nikki Menez – she’s an actress, director and curatorial director at Z Space. Her last project was directing The Future that Liberals Want, at the Eclectic Box SF. Jake and I talk to Nikki about her upbringing, her next project and what plans she has for the future. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find m...2025-06-291h 19

Creatively ShadedWe're Larger than the System!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra and Liz are joined by a local creative who puts the multi in hyphenate; Aejay Antonias Marquis, who steps in SirDiva's shoes as guest co-host. The Theatre Streets had the Divas on a trek through Afro futurism, isolation, and poles, while Center Stage Shade and SirDiva's Rant, lit it up. Chyle, now you know we had to get up on the National Endowment for the Arts - knotting us Divas all up! Come on an unravel this theatrical entanglement with us! Recommendations: "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at...2025-05-171h 09

Creatively ShadedWe Live in the Performative!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, are joined by Bay Area native multi-hyphenate and Grammy nominee, Ryan Nicole Austin! She drops bars of creative knowledge and promotes her upcoming World Premiere Musical, "Co-Founders!" A new segment, "The Real T(heatre)," in depth conversations, sits down with the cast of S.F. Playhouse's "Fat Ham" as they reflect on their unique experience, and you know we didn't leave out Center Stage Shade. Baby, there is so much good T all up and through this episode! Prepare to have your...2025-04-271h 09

Creatively ShadedFiring on All Cylinders!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, march into Women's Herstory with a ground breaking playwright, whose impact thrives in the Bay Area. They discuss how social media has entangled the Thespian, and performers out here shading the stage; playing dual roles of actor and director! Chiiile you need to sit all the way up for this!Recommendations:Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:"Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTCOn stage March 7 - April 6, 2025 tickets available at nctcsf.org"Fat...2025-04-0352 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 318: Terry BoeroIt's been a while but we’re back! And our next guest is teacher, lecturer and playwright Terry Boero. We learn about her upbringing her work at SF State, any new works she’s working on now, and her future. Terry can be contacted directly via Instagram at @merriberriterri and on Bluesky: Terry-Boero.bsky.social Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA...2025-03-011h 15

Creatively ShadedSee it, Call it, Say it!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz pay homage to Black Bay Area Theatre History, get into the spill out of D.E.I., and who answers the "Call" of the Craft. Chile, Center Stage Shade had to run back those audition Lewks. Gather your notes and pull into the Shade!Recommendations:The San Francisco Black Theater Movement Panel DiscussionSan Francisco Public LibraryAvailable on YouTubeDocumentary Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement California Newsreel Available on Vimeo 2025-02-2748 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 317: Aaron SeymourAaron Seymour is our next guest for The Yay. He is an actor who has worked at the Eclectic Box Theatre and last worked with Jake Fong doing A Soldier’s Story. Jake and I talk about Aaron’s upbringing, his thoughts on bay area theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Aaron can be contacted directly via Facebook Messenger. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and yo...2025-02-091h 11

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 314: Richard PerezRichard Perez, the artistic director at Town Hall Theatre, is our next guest on The Yay. I have had wonderful memories performing at Town Hall and it’s an honor to have Richard on. Jake and I listen as Richard talks about his upbringing, his education at Arizona State University, his leadership at Town Hall and where he sees himself in the future. Richard can be reached directly via email: Richard.perez@townhalltheatre.com Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind...2025-01-181h 03

Creatively ShadedClaim It, Yes!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz light the spark for 2025! Jobs, opportunities, Center Stage Shade, "Oh MY!" Get ready to "Blackout" the theater with the Divas in 2025! Keep those sparklers lit-Happy New Year!Job Opportunities:SFBATCO Box Office Managersfbatco.orgA.C.T.Professional and Outreach Manageract-sf.orgLesher Center For The ArtsTicket Clerklesherartscenter.orgAuditions:Audition workshop Magic TheatreJanuary 25, 2025magictheatre.org 2025-01-1633 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 313: Tory WilliamsJake and I welcome Tory Williams, an actor who worked with Jake when they did A Soldier’s Story. Tory talks about his upbringing in Little Rock, Arkansas; his time as an actor in the bay and where he sees himself in the future. Tory can be contacted directly via Instagram: @torywofficial SHOWS: The Oracle (The Lost Church SF) LAST SHOW Jan 11! Diana Brown (Episode 242) is in the show https://thelostchurch.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket#/ Waitress (SF Playhouse) Nov 21 – Jan 18, 2025 Tanika Baptiste (Episode 253) is in the show Dorian Lockett (Episode 230) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show...2025-01-111h 06

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 312: Joey AlvaradoJoey Alvarado is our next guest as we welcome in 2025! Joey is a veteran actor who’s last show was A Noh Christmas at Theatre of Yugen. Joey has also worked with the Pear Theatre and Z Space, among other companies. Jake and I talk about Joey’s upbringing, how he got into theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Joey Alvarado can be reached directly via Instagram: @tito_sexty Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body...2025-01-041h 16

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 311: End of Year Podcast w/Norman GeeThis is the end of the year and it’s altogether fitting that we bring Norman Gee back as our guest for the last Yay of 2024. We’ll give an assessment of how the year has been, what Norman has set for the future and we’ll give Norman the proper send off and thanks for being a magnificent host of the Yay from 2017-2024. Norman can be reached directly via Instagram: @whosyrhoosier Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body...2024-12-281h 38

Creatively ShadedYou Pranced Over That!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz give their take on DEI in the theatre, who's out here singing soulless notes and run back some of their favorite shows of 2024. The Divas give a little holiday ding as Center Stage Shade pops out for the season. Put a little peppermint in your hot toddy and savor the cheer!Recommendations:"A Thousand Ships" at Oakland Theatre ProjectOn stage December 13-January 5 tickets at oaklandtheaterproject.com/ships"Waitress" at S.F. Playhouse Now on stage un...2024-12-2756 min

Creatively ShadedThey come in Threes!!!Send us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz discuss egos, the happenings in the theatre streets and whether or not they've had love behind the curtain. A local theatre company gets lit up as the Divas give the thickest read on Center Stage Shade! Ba-by the reads come by the triplets! Lean in!Opportunities for Creatives: The Ground Floorberkeleyrep.org/the-ground-floorApplication closes December 22, 2024TBA Cash GrantTheatrebayarea.org/grants/cashReopens spring 2025Black Futures Residencyzaccho.org/?resids_black-futures 2024-12-1450 min

Creatively ShadedA Lil' Light ShadeSend us a textOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz do serve shade, but is it thick or thin? They discuss a local casting agency and its practices, whether monologues are necessary or not and who're all the Aunties & Uncs. This that thick or thin- you be the judge! Recommendations:"JaJa's African Hair Braiding" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre Playing November 8 - December 15 tickets @berkeleyrep.org"Charlie Brown Christmas" at Contra Costa Civic TheatrePlaying November 23-December 15 tickets @ccct.org"A Red Carol!" at SF M...2024-11-2243 min

Creatively ShadedShade on you, Shade on me, Shade on Us!!!Send us a textOn the premiere episode of the second season, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz recap their summer break and get into what's currently on their plates. They runback "Butt's in Seats" which seems to be on a loop in the theatre community. And check this—The Divas plunge into the deepest Shade as the spotlight turns it's glare on them! Oooh Chile! Put on that kettle cause this tea is Piping Hot! Take long, slow, sips!Recommendations:"The Thanksgiving Play" at Altarena Playhouse Playing October 24 - November 24 tickets @altarena.org...2024-11-0154 min

Creatively ShadedAnxiety, Vices & Heauxs!Send us a textThis episode of Creatively Shaded centers Mental Health Awareness Month. Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, lay their burdens down on the couch of licensed psychologist and multi-hyphenate artist, Dr. Jacqueline Benson. They discuss navigating the creative path of Black Artists, unwarranted trolling, and if your boo-boo's butt should be in that theatre seat. Just because The Divas are on the couch doesn't mean that Into The Shade & Center Stage Shade wasn't popping. Ba-by! It's time for you and your crew to take a turn, cause the Doctor is Definitely in Session! Take Notes!2024-05-301h 09

Creatively ShadedSwallows, Whispers & Wine!Send us a textOn this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, discuss how they've put their butts in several theater seats, who's possessed with the takeover spirit, and the art of lips caressing on stage! Into The Shade & Center Stage Shade, will have you salivating for more! Get your Good Divas, and several glasses cause the libations are flowing! Come take a sip!Recommendations:"Aren't You?" One Night Only! May 3 at Marin Shakespeare Company Directed by ShawnJ West tix: marinshakespeare.org"(NO MORE) adjustments" with Lorraine Hansberry Theatre...2024-05-0257 min

Creatively ShadedBlowing in The Stage Wind!Send us a textOn this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, discuss how theatre creatives get caught up in the wind, energy, and aromas! They talk about who's getting vetted, who needs to check it at the door, and who's team too much! Baby, the receipts keep coming and the Divas leave Nothing on Read! Oh Too Shade Honey, Oh Too Shade! Recommendations:“The Great Leap" featuring our very own James Oh! Playing at Center Rep at The Lesher Center For The Arts until April 7 tix: lesherartscenter.org"Sign...2024-04-041h 13

Creatively ShadedWho Asked You?Send us a textOn this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, discuss the ways that theatre is reviewed in the Bay and invite The People to throw in their own two cents. Center Stage Shade casts it's gaze on the actor while Into The Shade, brings light to accessing children's theatre. You might want to gather your flock for this one cause The Divas got a word! Come and get this blessing!Recommendations:“West Coast Premiere “Bees & Honey” Marin Theatre Company until 3/10" Use code: MTCSHADED for 20% off your tix! marinthea...2024-03-0758 min

Creatively ShadedBlack Futures MonthSend us a textHappy Black History Month! On this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, highlight local Black Bay Area Creatives and other artists who have made it big! They recap the local theatre scene and kiki about audition bloopers. Center Stage Shade and Q & A segment Into The Shade, dive deep into theatre community effectiveness and appropriate terminology, that is Stamped in The Black! Getcha note pad Henny cause The Divas got receipts!Recommendations: “A Rolling World Premiere: The Black Feminist Guide To The Human Body“ Presented by Lor...2024-02-151h 18

Creatively ShadedFor The CultureSend us a textHappy New Year! On the first episode of 2024, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, set the FIREWORKS OFF! They lay down tips on the do's & definitely the don'ts of going to an audition, give their THREE CENTS on "The Color Purple" 2023 version and The Center Stage Shade is EXPLOSIVE! A new Q & A segment, Into The Shade is introduced. Bring a fan baby cause you're gonna need to cool ALL THE WAY OFF!Come sit under the Shade!Recommendations: “Babes in Ho-lland” Shotgun Players 1/14-2/4 shotgunplayers.org“Ever...2024-01-241h 23

Creatively ShadedDon’t Burn Your Bridges!Send us a textOn this week's episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ, and Liz discuss theatre "etiquette", inclusivity with action, and getting rid of "the box" that has stifled the overall theatre experience. The Center Stage Shade of the week has the Divas throwing the spotlight on the audience! Lean all the way into it!Recommendations: "Panto in the Presidio" Featuring Phaedra Tillery-Boughton Use Code: 'bedtime' two free child tickets per 1 adult ticket12/1-12/30/23 presidiotheatre.org"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" theatreworks.org 2023-12-0543 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 273: Luchan BakerLuchan Baker is our next guest. I had the pleasure of directing this disciplined actor when Lower Bottom Playaz in Radio Golf – Luchan is meticulous, always ready for work, and really breathed life in the character Sterling, the blue collar classmate of the upper class Harmond. Norman and I talk to Luchan, finding about his upbringing, his views on theatre and where he sees himself in the future. Luchan can be contacted directly via Facebook and Instagram: @bro.luchan SHOWS: Playground Innovators Showcase (Potrero Stage) Nov 25 26 Latinex Mafia’s staged reading of BUSCANDO AL ULTIMO HOMBRE GAY Letitia Duarte (Episode 119) is i...2023-11-251h 11

Creatively ShadedRooted in The BaySend us a textOn this week's episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ, Liz and Jacquetta, discuss witnessing Black and Brown Stories on stage, the impact of diverse butts in seats, and the healing power of theatre. On Center Stage Shade, the Divas shine a light on acceptable time frames for audition results: Did I book the job or nah? Lean into it!Upcoming Auditions:Cal Shakes, Marin Shakes, SF Shakes, Vallejo ShakesNovember 19 & 20 calshakes.org"A Strange Loop" American Conservatory Theater Submission deadline Wednesday, November 29, Auditi...2023-11-2159 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 272: Cory BytofNorman and I next host Cory Bytof, the musical composer of Texas Chainsaw Musical (co-written with Christopher Minori), which has seen many productions: The Blank Canvas Theatre in Cleveland; the Barnstormers Theatre in New Hampshire; and it was featured at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, way back in 2009 (which I stage managed). Cory talks about his upbringing in Wisconsin, his music tastes, what brought him to the bay, the future of Texas Chainsaw and where he sees himself in the future. You can learn more about Cory and Texas Chainsaw Musical, on his website: https://texaschainsawmusical.com We also want...2023-11-1158 min

Creatively ShadedWe Doin Thangs Around Here!Send us a textOn this week's special episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ, and Liz, discuss being new arts journalists in the Bay, all of the exciting theatre that's happening and how representation still matters. They also pay homage to a local Bay Area Actor. You know there's a little Center Stage Shade! Lean into it!Recommendations: "We Are Continuous" Directed by: ShawnJ West nctcsf.org"New Roots Theatre Festival" sfbatco.org"Panto in the Presidio" Featuring Phaedra Tillery-Boughton presidiotheatre.org"Mame" Featuring Elizabeth Jones 42ndstmoon.org...2023-11-0940 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 271: Mike TutonOur next guest is Michael Tuton, one of the four fantastic actors in The Engine of Our Disruptions, the play currently playing at Central Works. Mike does an amazing job as X-topher, the CEO and prime mover of the fictional company Bubbles. Mike is also a main fixture at Playground SF, where his plays have been prominently featured. Mike talks about his upbringing, his forays in advertising, how he brings those skills to theatre and where he sees himself in the future. You can learn more about Mike’s theatre company, NFX Theater, on their website: https://nfxtheater.substack.com We...2023-11-051h 45

Creatively ShadedLet me do it all!Send us a textOn this week's episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ, Jacquetta and Liz, open up a bag of tricks and treats! They discuss working as an understudy, opportunities in the Bay Area, the practice of hiring out of town actors and then some! Honey, the shade is pulled all the way out! Get ready to go in 'cause the Divas definitely do!We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can...2023-10-3151 min

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 270: Patricia MiltonNorman and I had the great pleasure of going to Central Works last night to see an exhilarating play, The Engine of our Disruption, a wicked comedy that focuses on the dangers and the callousness of software technology in our lives. And our guest, Patricia Milton, is the playwright. Ms. Milton is the resident playwright at Central Works, where her past three plays (The Victorian Ladies’ Detective Collection, Bamboozled, and Enemies-Foreign and Domestic) were produced. She is a past President, Playwrights Center of San Francisco, and a member of Theatre Bay Area, Central Works Writing Group, and International Centre for Wo...2023-10-281h 10

The Yay - A Bay Area Theatre PodcastEpisode 269: Richard Jennings, Greg Beattie And Ray ChristensenThe Musical Café has come to the Yay! If you remember, we had Jamie Greenblatt and Richard Jennings on for Episode 173 back in November of 2020. Richard Jennings is back, Greg Beattie (writer of The Very Last One and Only Highly Endangered Mountain Lion in Pennsylvania) and Ray Christensen (writer of Legend of the Werewolf), who are very excited about their featured musicals. The other two musicals to be featured are: Jewish Boys, the Musical, by Joshua Gilstein; and Mirabai, the Barefoot Princess, written by Leah Sirkin. We talk about all four projects, the process of creating musical theatre, and where t...2023-10-221h 10

Creatively ShadedTheatre: the sidepiece, concubine, or fulltime lover?Send us a textOn this week's episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ, Jacquetta, and Liz, discuss shows that are relevant to the black community, dealing with offers to work for questionable pay, and the hustle and tussle of being an artist in the Bay Area!The table is set and the drinks are flowing! Bring your appetite and dig in!We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and...2023-10-1741 min